“A Buzzworthy Cause” Event Offers Young Professionals Opportunity Become Engaged with their Local Community

Happy Hour Event July 17 at Witchdoctor Brewing in Southington Part of Community Foundation’s “Young Philanthropy” Initiative

New Britain, Conn., June 21, 2018 – Following up on its initial, successful foray last fall into engaging local, young professionals in philanthropy and community service, the Community Foundation of Greater New Britain is planning its second “Young Philanthropy” networking event, “A Buzzworthy Cause,” on Tuesday, July 17, from 5-9 p.m. at Witchdoctor Brewing Company in Southington.

The event, sponsored in part by the Southington Chamber of Commerce and Witchdoctor Brewing, is designed to bring together young professionals who live and work in the Greater New Britain region in a festive, convivial atmosphere to network and learn about their communities, the non-profit organizations which serve them and opportunities to make a difference.

“Playing an active role in what makes our communities strong and vibrant are important aspects of life for today’s young professionals, and the Community Foundation wants to do all it can to facilitate this strong interest in giving back,” said Community Foundation Program Associate and Assistant Director of Development Kaylah Smith, who leads the organization’s Young Philanthropy outreach efforts. “A lot of buzz is being generated locally by active, engaged members of our community and we’re proud to be part of it.”

“Giving Brewsday,” November, 2017

The Foundation’s Young Philanthropy Initiative kicked of last fall with “Giving Brewsday,” a November 28 Giving Tuesday event at Alvarium Beer Company in New Britain. More than 100 gathered to network and learn about the work of the Community Foundation and other non-profits. In addition to the community connections that were made, the Foundation received more than $500 in donations to its Civic Leadership and Hurricane Maria Puerto Rico Relief Funds.

Since that first successful effort, the Foundation has continued to maximize and become involved in opportunities to engage young professionals:

  • Smith is a member of the Greater New Britain Chamber of Commerce’s young professional sub-division, called “The Buzz,” which is providing area young professionals with additional networking and charitable opportunities.
  • The Catalyst Fund, the Community Foundation’s long-standing grass roots philanthropy initiative, has significantly expanded its membership base thanks to a successful membership drive, and several of the new members are young professionals.
  • Connections with local recipients of Community Foundation scholarships are being strengthened. A new effort led by Office Manager and Scholarship Associate Kim Duncan brings CFGNB scholarship recipients to the Foundation offices to meet CFGNB staff and learn about the Foundation, in the hope that the seeds of philanthropy will be planted. Scholars are encouraged to stay in touch with Foundation staff and keep the Foundation apprised of their educational and career progress.
  • In April, Foundation President David Obedzinski was a guest lecturer at CCSU’s Introduction to Philanthropy class being led by Dr. Richard Judd and Dr. Carol Austad. The semester-long class, sponsored in part by the American Savings Foundation, includes projects that require groups of students to choose a charity to support with an American Savings Foundation-sponsored grant. The Foundation anticipates being involved in additional, future classes.

“A Buzzworthy Cause” at Witchdoctor Brewing will focus on non-profits serving the Southington community, with several in attendance to talk about their work. The event is free to attend for those age 21-plus, with each attendee receiving a free beverage. The event will feature food, music and prizes, and young professionals are encouraged to come in groups.

Those interested in attending are encouraged to visit the “A Buzzworthy Cause” event page on Facebook. For more information or to learn more about the Foundation’s Young Philanthropy Initiative, contact Kaylah Smith at ksmith@cfgnb.org or 860-229-6018, ext. 305.

Established in 1941, the Community Foundation of Greater New Britain is “Where Good Begins” in Berlin, New Britain, Plainville and Southington. Located at The Foundation Center at 74A Vine Street, New Britain, the Foundation works to inspire philanthropy, manage permanent charitable assets effectively, and partner to address key community issues through strategic leadership. For more information, visit www.cfgnb.org.